The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), under the Trump administration, has unveiled a controversial proposal to impose a strict two-year time limit on Section 8 housing subsidies for able-bodied adults—a move that could lead to the eviction of millions of low-income Americans who rely on the program for affordable housing.
Announced as part of the president’s fiscal year 2026 “skinny” budget request, the policy is intended to encourage self-sufficiency but has sparked fierce backlash from housing advocates, Democrats, and researchers, who warn it could exacerbate homelessness and destabilize families.
The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, which helps low-income households afford rent in the private market by subsidizing a portion of their payments, currently has no federal time limits.
Under the new HUD proposal, able-bodied adults—defined as those without disabilities or exemptions—would lose eligibility after 24 months, even if they remain unable to afford market-rate rents.
Proponents within the administration argue that the change would free up resources for the most vulnerable, such as the elderly, people with disabilities, and families with young children, while promoting work and reducing dependency on government aid.
HUD Secretary Ben Carson, in a statement released on August 20, 2025, emphasized the policy’s intent: “This reform is about empowering Americans to achieve independence, not perpetuating cycles of poverty. For those who can work, two years of support should be a bridge, not a permanent crutch.”
The proposal aligns with broader Trump-era efforts to impose work requirements and time caps across federal assistance programs, echoing similar attempts during his first term.
If enacted, states would gain flexibility in administering remaining funds, but critics warn this could lead to uneven implementation and further cuts.
A study from New York University’s Furman Center found that the time limit would disproportionately affect working families and children, with more than 3 million people—half of them children—potentially at risk of losing their homes.
The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) estimates that 1.4 million low-income households could face eviction, noting that many participants are already employed but earn wages too low to cover rising rents in high-cost areas.
“This isn’t about able-bodied versus disabled; it’s about punishing the working poor,” said Diane Yentel, president of the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC), in response to the announcement.
The budget proposal, first outlined in May 2025, seeks to slash federal rental aid by nearly 40%, redirecting funds while imposing the two-year cap.
Housing experts warn that such limits could destabilize the multifamily housing market, leading to increased evictions, mortgage defaults, and a surge in homelessness—particularly in urban centers like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago.
Advocates also note that waiting lists for Section 8 vouchers are already years long in many areas, leaving little safety net for those timed out.
Democratic lawmakers have vowed to fight the measure in Congress, where the budget must be approved to become law. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called it “a heartless attack on vulnerable Americans,” while House Democrats prepare amendments to preserve unlimited assistance.
Conservative groups, such as the Heritage Foundation, praised the reform as a step toward fiscal responsibility and personal accountability.
Public reaction has been swift and divided. Social media debates erupted, with supporters arguing the policy incentivizes employment and opponents sharing stories of families already on the brink.
As the proposal moves forward, legal challenges are expected, with civil rights groups arguing it could violate fair housing laws by disproportionately impacting minorities and single-parent households.
With housing costs at record highs and inflation lingering, the HUD proposal underscores the ongoing national debate over welfare reform versus social safety nets. If implemented, it could reshape affordable housing for generations, exposing millions to the harsh realities of America’s rental market.
